Trent University is closing most campus buildings in Peterborough and Durham at the end of the day on Monday (March 16) to all but essential services.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Trent University president and vice-chancellor Leo Groarke to students, faculty, and staff on Sunday (March 15). In the statement, Groarke said the first positive case of COVID-19 in Peterborough — a man in his 30s who had travelled to Spain and Portugal was seen at Peterborough Regional Health Centre after developing symptoms — was associated with Trent University’s Peterborough campus.
“I am writing to inform you that a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been associated with our Peterborough campus,” he writes. “The public health unit conducted a detailed investigation and has reached out to those who had close contact with this individual and encouraged them to self-monitor for any symptoms.”
Groarke also shared the steps the university is taking to protect the health of students, faculty, and staff, consistent with provincial direction to increase social distancing and increase remote work.
- Trent University will be closing most campus buildings in Peterborough and Durham at the end of the day on Monday (March 16) to all but essential services.
- With classes moving online and campus buildings closing, Trent University is directing Peterborough residence students who can move back home to do so. Housing Services will be communicating details to residence students shortly.
- Essential services including residential accommodation that supports social distancing and food services will be provided for students unable to return home.
- Trent University continues to plan for the alternate delivery of courses and exams. Students will hear from their instructors with further information by Wednesday (March 18).
- All student placements are suspended for the remainder of the term.
- Graduate students who require access to facilities for their research should speak with their supervisors to arrange access.
- Trent University will be asking employees who are able to do so to work from home beginning Tuesday (March 17), and to contact their supervisors for further instructions.
Groake encourages anyone who is concerned they may have come into contact with the virus to consult the recommendations from Peterborough Public Health at peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
“We understand that this is a stressful time and we are committed to supporting our students, staff and faculty,” Groarke writes. “I have been impressed by the sense of calm and cooperation exhibited by our entire campus community.”
